Germany ‘deeply concerned’ over Israel’s ban on UN agency for Palestinian refugees

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany on Tuesday expressed concern over the Israeli ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

“The Foreign Office is deeply concerned about yesterday's passage in the Israeli Knesset of two laws against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a press statement.

“UNRWA provides essential and life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to Palestine refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and throughout the region. Without UNRWA's work, vital humanitarian assistance in Gaza would be on the brink of collapse,” she said and pointed out that there are “already 2.2 million people in Gaza in dire straits.”

“Eighty-six percent of the population suffers from acute malnutrition. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the schooling of almost 50,000 children would be threatened; in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of children would no longer have any hope of receiving an education. The health care of tens of thousands of people would also be at risk,” the spokesperson said.

“The Israeli government must now ensure that UNRWA can continue to fulfill the mandate of the UN General Assembly. To this end, UNRWA must continue to be able to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance as well as access to education and health care to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem,” she added.

Despite objections from around the world, Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday the bill 92-10, banning UNRWA from working in Israel and occupied territories.

Israel has accused UNRWA employees of complicity in the Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border incursion by Hamas. UNRWA, however, denies the accusations.

Since then, Israel has killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza and created famine-like conditions across the blockaded territory.

The law, to take effect within three months, would end contact between UNRWA and Israeli officials, preventing the agency from providing life-saving support to Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The agency was established by the General Assembly in December 1949 to carry out relief and works programs for Palestine refugees. It began its operations on May 1, 1950.